Just days before Go Far Go Fast, I walked into a restaurant in Durham. As I waited for a table, 2 children wearing their Go Far necklaces approached me and gave me a big hug. After asking them how many miles they had run this year and if they were excited about the upcoming race, it was clear to me that Go Far has become a real piece of the fabric of this town. With the growth of the program, it becomes more personal with every child we work with. I feel as if I have a responsibility in seeing this generation of children achieve their life goals, become stronger, reach higher and become good citizens. I had good teachers. I grew up in a family that shared the Olympic dream. My brother was an Olympian and while I never achieved the ultimate goal, I knew it’s journey well. To get an athlete to the Olympics, it takes an unprecedented effort on the part of the every family member and a support network like no other. There is sacrifice and a tremendous degree of dedication. While I lived this experience in my youth, it’s no different today in the way I try to direct Go Far. Call it what you will, but Go Far is designed with the utmost success in mind. There is a popular advertisement by P and G about raising Olympians. I encourage you to watch a few clips and soak in their stories. Each story isn’t about overnight success. It isn't easy. Instead, we hear of a longer road full of highs and lows. But the flame is never extinguished. After watching, think about the Go Far model and consider our task. While the children we serve may not all become Olympians, they deserve an Olympic size effort on our part. The people that mentor your child at Go Far have no guarantee of a child’s success, but they are willing to see him or her through. Because we have decided to keep this program local, each child’s success is at our fingertips. As a community, supporting and applauding our athletes are well within reach. I would personally like to thank all of those that have made this program what it is. Go Far Go Fast proved that something is working. The race may have only lasted 3 hours, but the entire year leading up to it fostered palpable energy. In it’s unique, homespun nature, GFGF showed us hope beyond measure. In every determined face, the community stood behind it and in every finisher’s smile, the community stood proud.

On behalf of all the kids, thanks to everyone who helps Go Far. As you can see, it takes a community: School leaders: Lyman School-Paula Sanzaro Pietruszka , Lee Glidden Brewster-Becky Finnerty, Janine Kozik Korn School- Kim Salley Memorial School- Kristen Kleeman. Yes, we made Go Far-X happen! Jeremy Brown- High School Mentor to Middle schools Thanks to all of the daily Go Far parent mentors. Susan Viccaro and all of the District 13 principals- For their trust all along and understanding of Go Far’s vision. School staff including teachers and support staff for all your cheerleading and help organizing. The Durham and Middlefield Local Wellness Council: For supporting the vision from day one. The District 13 PTA’s Empower and CVEF, this year’s main benefactors. Go Far Go Fast Race day: Durham Fitness- 2012’s Go Far Go Fast Title Sponsor The Durham Fair Association - for the best venue ever! (Special thanks to Deb Waz and Tom) Toby Bates and the Boy Scouts for parking. Sandie Dalles for her invaluable assistance with age-grouping. The Durham Woman’s Club- for purchasing food and distributing. The Durham EMS for tending to race battle wounds. Hans Pederson for helping announce and keeping us rocking out. Michael Hayes of Patch for your big efforts in getting the word out. Heather Castiglia for an amazing T-shirt design! Coginchaug Little league and Soccer for re-arranging their schedules.

Jen, thanks so much for all your effort you put into Go Far, not just for this annual race, but all year long. You are transforming these kids into strong, confident and healthy youngsters no matter if they are Olympians or not. You are definitely making a difference!!